Clamping and release means for crusher bowls



Aug. 5, 1969 R. B. DE DIEMAR CLAMPING AND RELEASE MEANS FOR CRUSHER BOWLS Filed Dec. 23. 1966 2 Sheets-$heet 1 Aug. 5, 1969 R. 8. DE DIEMAR 3,459,383

CLAMPING AND RELEASE MEANS FOR CRUSHER BOWLS Filed Dec. 23. 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 dzfwwrfq United States Patent US. Cl. 241-215 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates generally to improvement in gyratory crushers, and relates more particularly to an improved mechanism for mechanically clamping the crushing bowl to the frame of the crusher and for hydraulically releasing the clamping action to permit bowl rotation.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART Crushers of the type to which this invention relates are commonly employed to crush rock and ore aggregate to a size suitable for use or further processing. Such crushers employ a rotating crushing head carried by an upright shaft and mounted for movement eccentrically of the axis of rotation so that the head gyrates as it is rotated. A crushing bowl or concave is mounted on the stationary frame of the crusher and surrounds the crushing head. The material to be processed is fed into the bowl, and the crushing action takes place in the crushing zone as formed by the gap between the crushing head and the bowl.

The particle size of the crushed product produced by the crushing action depends on the size of the gap between the bowl and the head, and to vary the particle size, it is necessary to change the dimensions of this gap. One way in which this is commonly accomplished is by adjustably positioning the crushing bowl on the frame of the crusher so that it may be moved in relation to the head. To provide for such adjustment, it has been hertofore proposed to provide the bowl and the stationary crusher frame with coacting screw threads whereby the bowl may be raised or lowered upon rotation thereof relative to the frame.

In crushers of this type, it is also necessary to provide a means for clamping or locking the crushing bowl in adjusted position on the frame in order to prevent creeping and to maintain the crushing gap constant during operations. In addition, it is customary to provide means for releasing the clamp on the bowl to permit readjustment to be effected in the size of the gap. For the purpose of clamping the bowl in its adjusted positions and releasing the same to permit readjustments, various mechanisms have heretofore been proposed, the most common of which employ means for exerting a binding thrust on the threads between the bowl and the crusher frame together with means for releasing such thrust to permit rotation of the bowl whenever it is desired to effect readjustments.

In some instances, the means thus employed for exerting a binding thrust on the threads and for releasing the same has comprised various forms of mechanical jacking devices reacting on the bowl. In other instances, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure has been utilized for such purpose, and in still other cases, fluid pressure has been combined with mechanical means to clamp and release the crusher bowl. However, such means as have been heretofore proposed have left something to be desired either from an operational or functional standpoint, or due to space requirements, or because of manufactur- Patented Aug. 5, 1969 ing and assembly time and expense, or inaccessibility 1n the event of malfunction and need for replacement or repair, or because of lack of effectiveness in clamping or holding the bowl in adjusted position.

SUMMARY Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide an improved hydraulically actuated means for mechanically clamping the crushing bowl of a gyratory or cone crusher in adjusted position on the crusher frame for crushing operations and for releasing the bowl clamp to permit adjustments in the position of the bowl and which obviates the aforesaid disadvantages of prior devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved hydraulically actuated mechanical crusher bowl clamp and bowl release means which is simple in construction and which is moreover conveniently located for ready access for assembly, repair, and replacement.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide and improve hydraulically actuated, positive acting, mechanical clamp and release device for gyratory crusher bowls which is readily interchangeable with devices for performing similar functions in existing crushers, the mechanism being protectively housed entirely above the locking ring for the bowl for ready access.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved mechanical crusher bowl clamping and release means which is positively hydraulically actuated to both clamping and release condition and which is extremely effective in its clamping action, the mechanical clamping and release mechanism as well as the hydraulic actuators therefor being so located and positioned as to be readily accessible without need for dismantling or otherwise disturbing any of the principal crusher parts such as the bowl, locking ring, adjustment ring, and either the stationary main frame or the upper frame.

The invention utilizes a plurality of mechanical actuators such as toggles for transmitting movement through a like number of connectors to the threaded bowl or concave of the crusher to selectively lift and release the bowl in its threaded support, and hydraulic means under the control of an operator for selectively operating the mechanical actuators.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention Will become apparent from the following detailed description.

DRAWINGS A clear conception of the features constituting the present improvements, and of the construction and operation of typical crusher bowl clamping and release mechanisms embodying the invention, may be had by referring to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate the same or similar parts in the several views.

FIGURE 1 is a transverse vertical section through a typical cone or gyratory crusher embodying this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a more-or-less diagrammatic plan view to illustrate a typical arrangement of clamping and release mechanisms and the hydraulic circuitry therefor;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a similarly enlarged fragmentary section taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is another enlarged fragmentary section like FIGURE 4 but showing the bowl raised by the mechanical actuator into clamped condition; and

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary section taken along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 4.

3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIGURE 1, a typical gyratory or cone crusher employing the present invention is shown therein. The numeral indicates the stationary main frame or base of gyratory crusher. The gyrating crushing head 11 is mounted within the frame 10 to gyrate about a vertical axis. The crushing head 11 is driven in a customary manner as by a motor and belt drive (not shown) connected to grooved pulley 12 drivingly connected to the eccentric 13 for the head 11 through suitable transmission mechanism 14. A crushing bowl or concave 16 is also mounted in frame 10 and forms the other crushing member of the crusher. The crushing takes place in the gap or space forming the crushing zone 17 between the liners of the crushing head 11 and crushing bowl 16. Relief springs 18 are mounted between a floating reaction ring 19 and an adjustment ring or support 20 seated on the frame 10 to provide protection to the crushing surfaces of head 11 and bowl 16 should uncrushable matter, such as tramp iron, enter the crushing zone 17. Relief springs 18 permit the adjustment ring 20 and crushing bowl 16 to rise under these conditions, expanding the gap 17 and allowing the uncrushable material to pass therethrough. Material to be crushed is introduced through hopper 21.

As previously mentioned, the particle size of the final product as produced by the crusher is determined by the size of the crushing gap 17 between the crushing head 11 and crushing bowl 16. If it is desired to change the particle size or to compensate for wear on the liners, it is necessary to change the dimensions of the crushing gap. This is done by raising or lowering the crushing bowl 16 on the crusher frame 10 relative to the crushing head 11. In the typical crusher illustrated, the means provided for raising and lowering the crushing bowl 16 includes the threaded support 20 non-rotatably mounted on frame 10. In turn, the crushing bowl 16 is provided with threads 23 which coact with the threads 24 of the adjusting ring providing the bowl support 20. Rotating the crushing bowl 16 thereby causes threads 23 to follow the helix of the threads 24 of the support 20, thus raising or lowering the bowl.

Various mechanisms may be employed to rotate the crushing bowl 16 to adjust the crushing gap 17. For example, in the typical crusher shown in FIGURE 1, a ring 26, herein referred to as a clamping ring, provided with threads 27 coacting with the threads 24 of the support 20 is keyed to the bowl 16 for rotation therewith. In turn, the ring 26 is provided with a cap 28 which has one or more lugs 29 projecting therefrom. Thus, the cap 28, ring 26, and bowl 16 may be simultaneously rotated by attaching a chain or cable (not shown) to the lug 29 and applying power tangentially in the desired direction of rotation as by means of a winch, hydraulic power device, or the like. Alternatively, the cap 28 may be provided with a plurality of external vertical ribs, and one or more hydraulic rams having the extendible piston rods thereof engageable with the ribs may be used to rotate the cap 28, ring 26 and bowl 16.

To provide satisfactory crushing opeartion, the crushing bowl 16 must be firmly clamped on the frame 10 during crushing. In other words, the threads 23 of the bowl 16 must be retained in the selected position of adjustment along the thread 24 of adjusting ring or support 20. During adjustment of the crushing gap 17 to change particle size, however, the crushing bowl 16 must be released from the frame 10 and adjustment ring 20 so that the bowl may be rotated and moved up or down along the support 20.

Essentially, the crusher structure thus far shown and described is disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,881,981, dated Apr. 14, 1959 to Harvey H. Rumpel, and as in the case of the patent, the threaded ring 26 is also employed as an element for the purpose of clamping the bowl in adjusted position and releasing the same to permit readjustment.

.4 This ring 26 is located in spaced relationship above the bowl 16, and as indicated, the ring 26 has threaded engagement with the support 20. The clamping ring 26 is keyed to the bowl 16 for rotation therewith as by means of an annular series of spaced rods or bolts 30, and the ring 26 and bowl 16 are thus free to rotate along the threads 24 of the support or adjustment ring 20 as long as no axial clamping pressure is imposed on the thread 23. However, to clamp the bowl 16 in adjusted position, an axial upward force is placed on each of the rods 30 and is transmitted to the bowl 16 to thereby bind the coacting threads 23 of the bowl 16 and the threads 24 of the support 20.

In accordance with the present invention, each of the rods 30 is secured at one end to the bowl 16 as by means of screw threads, the opposite end of each rod being secured in like manner to a cross-head 32. In turn, each cross-head 32 is secured as by means of a pin 33 to the depending legs 35 of a lifting member or elevator 34. The lifting member 34 is supported and guided for vertical movement on an inverted U-shaped base member or support 36 seated on the upper surface of the ring 26. The upper end of the lifting member or elevator 34 is preferably provided with a threaded aperture 37 for receiving an adjustable set screw 38 or the like which carries a slide block 39. The opposed faces of the base member 36 and the adjustable block 39 are provided with matching recesses 40, 41 respectively which serve to receive the ends of the toggle arms or levers 43, 44. The toggle arms 43, 44 are connected by a pivot pin 45 or the like which is carried by an actuating rod 46. The actuator 46 is secured to the piston 47 of a double acting hydraulic power cylinder 48 which is mounted in a suitable manner on a fixed support 49 carried by the ring 26.

As shown in FIGURE 2, the bowl clamping and release devices thus described and each designated generally by the numeral 50 are disposed about the hopper 21 at equally spaced intervals in an annular series, and any required number may be employed. A typical hydraulic system which may be employed for operating the power units 48 is also diagrammatically illustrated in FIGURE 2. As shown therein, a reservoir 52 supplies hydraulic fluid to a pump 53. Fluid supply lines 54, 55 lead from the pump to the opposite ends of each of the hydraulic cylinders 48. The pump 53 is activated to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure selectively to the supply lines 54, 55 under the control of a suitable four-way valve at a control station 57. The control valve 57 may be manually or automatically operated to supply pressurized fluid to one or the other of the lines 54, 55 to thereby move the pistons 47 of the hydraulic units 48 in the desired direction. Each of the hydraulic power units 48 is thus actuated simultaneously to either extend the piston 47 thereof or to retract the same dependent upon whether pressurized fluid is admitted to the rear or forward end of the several cylinders.

Accordingly, when it is desired to release the bowl 16 to effect adjustments in the position thereof, the valve 57 is operated to admit pressurized fluid through the line 55 which supplies the same simultaneously to the forward end of each of the hydraulic cylinders 48. At the same time, the fluid in the rear of the displacement chambers of the several cylinders 48 is permitted to escape via line '54 and past valve 57 back to the reservoir 52. Thus, as shown in FIGURE 4, the power piston of each hydraulic unit is retracted or moved toward the rear of its cylinder 48 pulling the toggle levers 43, 44 past their dead center position by reason of the connection of each piston 47 with the pin 45 of each toggle. This releases the upward force on each of the elevators 34, permitting the elevators to drop until the legs 35 thereof are seated on the upper surface of the ring 26. The lifting force on the bowl 16 is thus also released, the clearance C (FIGURE 3) is provided between the thread 23 of the bowl 16 and thread 24 of the support 20 to thereby permit free rotation of the bowl 16 by any suitable means.

After the desired adjustment has been effected, the valve 57 is operated to exhaust fluid from the forward ends of the cylinders 48 through line 55 while supplying pressurized fluid via line 54 to the rear of each cylinder 48. This projects the power pistons 47 outwardly and forces the toggles 43, 44, through the rod portions 46, to or slightly past their vertical dead center position as shown in FIGURE 5. The toggles thus exert a lifting force on the elevators 34 and raise the bowl 16 through the connecting rods 30 and cross-heads 32. The clearance C is thereby removed from the upper inclined surfaces of the threads 23, 24, and the bowl 16 is effectively clamped in the support 20 to resist rotation and retain the same in its adjusted position.

The amount of lift afforded by the toggles 43, 44 may be regulated by adjusting the position of the block 39 by means of the set screw 38, and if necessary, a locking screw 60 may be provided for positively retaining the block 39 in its adjusted position. Also, to provide for proper toggle movement, the elevators 34 may each be formed with a depending rear wall portion 61 formed with a threaded aperture for receiving a set screw 62 axially alined with the power piston 47 and connector 46. These screws 62 may be readily adjusted to provide a fixed stop for the respective power pistons and toggles.

From the foregoing detailed description, it is apparent that the action of the toggles 43, 44 provides a positive means for clamping the crushing bowl 16 in its support 20 by binding the threads 23, 24. While the ring 26 has been shown as being threaded into the support 20, along with the bowl 16, other means may be provided for supporting the elevators 34 and the attendant mechanism. Also, while the invention has been shown and described herein as embodying hydraulic power units, other power means may be utilized, and pressurized air could be used as the fluid pressure medium. The seats 40, 41 in the blocks 36, 39 respectively should be formed to permit free swinging movement of the toggle levers 43, 44, and the connection of these levers to the pivot 45 should preferably be loose enough to compensate for slight differences in adjustments of the several units while aff rding some resiliency. The bowl clamping and release devices are so located as to be readily accessible without need for dismantling the various crusher parts such as the supporting ring 20, bowl 16 and clamping ring 26, and the cap 28 may be formed for removal as by means of bolts 65 in FIGURE 1. It should also be noted that although the connection between each rod 30 and its associated lifting member 34 has been shOWn and described herein as being through a cross-head 32 secured to the depending legs 35 by a pin 33, the cross-head 32 could, in effect, he formed as an integral part of the lifting member, and the pin 33 is provided primarily to prevent rotation of the associated bolt.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. Bowl clamping and release means for a crusher having a frame, a crushing head mounted in said frame, a crushing bowl mounted on said frame and cooperable with said crushing head to form a crushing zone, and means to effect adjustments in the position of said crushing bowl relative to said crushing head to Vary the size of the crushing zone including a threaded support on the frame for adjustably positioning said bowl; said clamping and release mechanism com-prising, a carrying member on said threaded support, a series of rods secured to said bowl, an elevator for each of said rods, each of said elevators including a lifting member slidably supported on said carrying member and secured to its respective rod, an actuator having mechanically expandable means engageable with each of said lifting members to raise the same and lift said bowl relative to said support to bind the threads thereof, and means operably connected to the expandable means of each of said actuators to expand and contract the same.

2. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 1, wherein each actuator comprises a toggle having the arms thereof expandable between the associated lifting member and the carrying member.

3. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 1, wherein each elevator includes a base member seated on the carrying member, each of the lifting members being slidably supported on one of said base members and secured to the end of one of the rods remote from the bowl, the associated mechanically expandable means being positioned between said base member and said lifting member.

4. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 3, wherein each actuator comprises a toggle having the arms thereof expandable between the base member and the lifting member.

5. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 3, wherein each actuator is a toggle and the legs of said toggle provide the expandable means positioned between the associated base member and lifting member, and the means for expanding and contracting each toggle is a double acting hydraulic cylinder-piston unit.

6. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 5, wherein the hydraulic cylinders are all interconnected for simultaneous operation.

7. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 3, wherein each actuator is a toggle and the legs of said toggle provide the expandable means positioned between the associated base member and lifting member, and an adjustable seat is provided on the lifting member for r ceiving the upper toggle arm.

8. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 3, wherein each actuator is a toggle and the legs of said toggle provide the expandable means positioned between the associated base member and lifting member, and an adjustable stop is provided for limiting lifting movement of said toggle.

9. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 1, wherein the carrying member is a ring threaded to the suport and keyed to the bowl by the rods for rotative movement with said bowl.

10. Bowl clamping and release means according to claim 9, wherein the entire clamping and release mechanism is mounted on the carrying ring and is housed in a protective cap removably supported on said ring.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,679,984 6/1954 Gruender 241-215 2,881,981 4/1959 Rumpel 241-215 2,969,818 1/1961 Allard 269228 X 3,204,883 9/1965 Rumpel 24129O X 3,325,108 6/1967 Balmer 241-290 3,341,138 9/1967 Allen 24129O ROBERT C. RIORDON, Primary Examiner D. G. KELLY, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 24129O 

